Joe Klein's article from 1/8/06... NSA and liberal Democrats.

[J. J.]

I agree somewhat.  The Democrats have to walk a line between, we support wiretaps of threats and "What the @*%$ was Bush thinking."  So far, they have not.

[J. J.]

 What the Democrats called into question was the illegal wiretaps of American citizens. If Democrats ought to support illegal wiretaps of American citizens, why have any laws at all??? Why not just give the executive branch complete and total power to do whatever they damn well want?

The whole premise of the article is intellectually dishonest and little more than a coordinated smear.

Well, first of all, while outside the regulations, it might not be illegal.  There are some extraordinary powers that the President has, in terms of national defense.  This might fall into that area; it might not either.

Second, I'm frankly surprised this has not generated more controversy.  Politically, this isn't as big an issue that I think it should be.  The politics seem to going to the President. 

Third, in terms of policy, there are arguments for checks and balances and there are arguments for national defense; both are very legitimate.  I would like to see the Democrats address both issues; so far, they have not.  This is where the Democrats have failed.

[J. J.]

Well, first of all, while outside the regulations, it might not be illegal.

Wiretaps of foreigners are perfectly legal. I never said they weren't.

Like I said, the issue is the illegal spying on American citizens.

Well, the case can be that one party is not an American citizen.  That might change things a great deal.